Philippines draws defence firms as military modernises amid South China Sea tension

October 2, 2024 MeighTimbol Uncategorized 0
Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner Jr, third from left, listens as exhibitors explains drones on display during the Asian Defense and Security Exhibition on Sep 25, 2024, in Manila, Philippines. (Photo: AP/Aaron Favila) …
Published October 2, 2024

MANILA: Global defence contractors put their advanced hardware on display as the Philippines embarks on the latest phase of a multi-billion-dollar effort to modernise its military at a time of rising tension in the South China Sea.

From Lockheed Martin of the United States to Sweden’s Saab, Israel’s Rafael, and the India-Russia joint venture BrahMos, a total of 291 firms showcased military technology and weapons systems at an exhibition in Manila last week.

The Philippines is an emerging market for the defence industry,” said Chester Cabalza, president of a Manila-based think tank, International Development and Security Cooperation.

Manila has allocated US$35 billion for the buildup, spread over the next decade, as it has faced off with China in sea and air confrontations over contested areas of the busy South China Sea waterway.

“Our strategic issues with China have caught the attention of defence firms, and the exhibit demonstrates support from like-minded nations, many of whom are our partners and allies,” Cabalza added.

Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the Philippines has looked beyond traditional ally the United States to step up security partnerships with nations, such as Japan and Australia, also concerned at China’s increasing regional influence.

“The goal of modernisation is to develop a credible defence force, whether there’s the China issue or not,” said Jesus Avilla, a former assistant defence secretary, while visiting the biennial Asia Defence and Security (ADAS) exhibition.

READ FULL ARTICLE
SOURCE: www.channelnewsasia.com

RELATED: Philippines draws defence firms as military modernises amid South China Sea tension

Published October 2, 2024
MANILA, Oct 2 (Reuters) – Global defence contractors put their advanced hardware on display as the Philippines embarks on the latest phase of a multi-billion-dollar effort to modernise its military at a time of rising tension in the South China Sea.
From Lockheed Martin of the United States to Sweden’s Saab, Israel’s Rafael, and the India-Russia joint venture BrahMos, a total of 291 firms showcased military technology and weapons systems at an exhibition in Manila last week.
“The Philippines is an emerging market for the defence industry,” said Chester Cabalza, president of a Manila-based think tank, International Development and Security Cooperation.
Manila has allocated $35 billion for the buildup, spread over the next decade, as it has faced off with China in sea and air confrontations over contested areas of the busy South China Sea waterway.
“Our strategic issues with China have caught the attention of defence firms, and the exhibit demonstrates support from like-minded nations, many of whom are our partners and allies,”
READ FULL ARTICLE
SOURCE: www.reuters.com

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply